MAGNETOSPHERIC PARTICLE ACCELERATION AND X-RAY EMISSION OF PULSARS

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the available data on isolated X-ray pulsars, their wind nebulae, and the supernova remnants that are connected to some of these sources. It is shown that the electric fields of neutron stars tear off charged particles from the surface of the neutron star and trigger the acceleration of particles. The charged particles are accelerated mainly in the field of a magneto-dipole radiation wave. The power and energy spectra of the charged particles depend on the strength of the magneto-dipole radiation. Therefore, the X-ray radiation is strongly dependent on the rate of rotational energy loss and weakly dependent on the electric field intensity. Coulombic interaction between the charged particles is the main factor for the energy loss and the X-ray spectra of the charged particles.